Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1887-06-04
ytsa,ia and Its SURROUNDINGS,

A representative of the EGpositor WIS.,
tied the ancient city OF Visalia the other
day and found it the same quiet, sleepy
place that it has been for years past
Located in the heart of one of the finest
bodies of land under the sun; rich in
natural resources and capable of main
tanning q large and thrifty population,
Visalia ought to-day to be the center
of one of the greltest agricultural
districts in the world. But such is not
the case. Its leading cit zens,
rs a rule, are large owners of land sur
rounding the city, they have in years
past accumulated enough worldly goods
to live at ease, and so they have dropped
into a humdrum sort of come easy, so
easy way, seemingly forgetting that The
world is progressing, and that popula-
ton and wealth are flowing into less ia
vored regions solely because the inhab-
itants are live, thrifty people, and have
extended an invitation tcthe immigrants
from the older States to come and settle
with them and help develop the coun-
try.
There are a few modern looking
buildings in the city, and there is some
evidence of new life, but there is q big
field for improvement. Visalia could be
made the handsomest city in the State
The water supply is so abundant that
shrubbery, trees and grass cam be easily
grown. Giant olks cast their grateful
shade here and there over the streets
and many of the dwellings. giving to the
place most picturesque appearance.
The to wn has two good newspapers,
the Times and Delta, which are doing
their best to develop the country and
infuse life in the place.
The town has an Improvement Socie
ty, and it has resulted in securing the
introduction of some modern ideas In
the place. but it has big work before it.
An effort ia now being made to start
fruit drying establishment in this place,
and Richard Wheeler, who was at one
time a resident OF this city, has been
employed to build dryer aud start II
mp. An old brewery building has been
secured for the purpose, and Mr..
Wheeler is now at work preparing his
driver.
The dryer will be built after a plan
evolved by Mr.. Wheeler. The screens
f,r holifDg the fruit will fold up, a1d
lie suspended instead of lying Hat as in
F., g ordinary dryer. Mr.. Wheeler says
that there will be lots of fruit to handle
and that he is certain his machine will
be the boss for handling it.
The real estate m sn report consider.
able activity in the sale of lands, and
Il o. Miller, of Miller n Creighton,
thinks the boom has hit the county, and
predicts great changes in the near tu'
tire. He showed us several fine bodies
of land he had for sale near the city at
from $50 to $50 per acre that, were they
located in Los Angt les county, would be
worth $1,000 an acre. They were COW
cred with numerous oak trees and fine
streams of water course through them.
Grain, fruit or any kind or alfalfa would
thrive, and for corn and vegetables we
don't believe it could be beaten.
The city has a good set OF water
rks, a fl JuriDg mill, an electric light
plant and gas works are now being con.
structed.
Socially, the Visalians are lily set.
They know how to do the honors to
their visitors in princely way. They
are free hearted an charitable, intelli.
gent and courteous, bat for these push
inp times are trihs too slow.
The merchants are all doing well,
the bankers are making money;
and the farmers gather in shekels
enough to keep the wolf from the door,
educate their families and lay aside
something for rainy day, and were
one looking for place to live among
oompanionabe PEOPLE, content with
suiliciency for the day, no place could
be selected that would beat Visalia.
But it will not be ever thus, for the
spirit of Improvement is cure to put in
It's oar and force her along .-[Fresno
EXpositor.